Date: 24 Sep 2006
Venue: The Hop Farm Country Park, Kent (in conjuntion with Paws in the Park 23+24 Sep)
SPONSORS

Cani-cross registration: 8:00 - 9:00am
Race briefing: 9:00am

The race on Sunday 24 coincides with the Paws in the Park weekend (Sat 23/ Sun 24 Sep) so there will be lots of specific dog attractions throughout the weekend, as well as the the fixed attractions of the Hop Farm Country Park. Cani-cross entry includes entrance to Paws in the Park and the Hop Farm for you and all your passengers representing a substantial discount on the ticket price (additional car passes can be included for other supporters).

Cani-Cross UK has been allocated its own arena where the following events will be taking place:

Saturday 23/9

- Try before you buy.

• X-back harnesses for your dog to try on (designed for comfort while your dog is running and pulling, the same as those used by huskies and sled dogs).
• Running belts for humans. If you hold a lead while running with your dog you loose the use of your upper body, and end up running like a crab. Try a belt and feel the difference.
• Lines, specifically developed for cani-cross, with bungy to remove the shocks and jerks when running with your dog which are uncomfortable for both dog and human (and bad for your back) will be available to try.

- Have-a-go Cani-Cross: once kitted up with the above, if the urge takes you, we have a 250m arena for you to run around in circles!

- Cani-Sprint (enter on the day): 200m with your dog against the clock. Use your own colar and lead, cani-cross gear or ours. The only rules are: dog and human must be connected during the race; dog must always be in front or by the humans side; dragging your dog will result in disqualification.

- K9 Pursuit - world first (enter on the day): catch me if you can! Two teams in hot pursuit. You know that thing your dog does when it runs around the house or garden in a frenzy? Well this is the same but you're attached! 4 laps of the arena, the first team to catch the other wins. The only rules are: dog and human must be connected during the race; dog must always be in front or by the humans side; dragging your dog will result in disqualification.

- Riverside Nature Trail 5km or 2.5km (enter on the day): explore the banks of the R Medway and The Hop Farm estate with a map/marked trail (no marshalls).

There will also be a cani-cross display in the main arena on Saturday.

Sunday 24/9:

Main cani-cross race (5km and 2.5km).

The cross country course will be contained within parkland, fields and forest of the Hop Farm Country Park including sections along the River Medway. There are no hills. Toilets and showers on site (open 24 hours). Cafe, restaurant, bar and food stalls, available from 10am onwards.

Camping in the parkland of the Hop Farm is available from the Thursday night to Sunday night. Facilities include showers and toilets.

Please help us to promote this event by printing event posters and hanging them where you see fit. CLICK HERE

The cani-cross race will be covered by Chillpics Photography.

For those of you thinking about cani-cross lines, belts or harnesses - if required for this event, orders need to be placed by the end of August. CLICK HERE

The Paws in the Park show will be a fun packed weekend to tire 4 legs let alone 2! As well as the Cani-cross, other attractions include: agility, EMDAC clever dogs, gundog scurries, flyball, working trials, dash‘n’splash aquazone, frisbee challenge, 60 weave pole challenge, companion breed, K9 shopping mall, quality trade stands. The main arena displays include: K9 freestyle, British Carriage Dog Society, Southern Golden Retriever Society, Sheepdog handling, carting dogs, gundog, horse & hound, heelwork to music, clicker training. Click on the link for more info.

The Hop Farm Country Park is an award winning visitor attraction centre which includes the worlds largest collection of Victorian oast houses. Other attractions include: indoor/outdoor play areas, Shire Horses, craft centre, animal corner, hop story museum, military vehicle collection, puppet pier, Roundels Country Kitchen. Click on the link for more info.

Look forward to seeing you and your pooch.

For more information please email Eileen or tel: 07711 818241